Colorado State Edges CSUB 65-63

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-Sam Martin scored the final six Colorado State (4-10) points including the gamewinner with 21 seconds remaining to lift the Rams to a 65-63 victory over CSU Bakersfield (3-15) Wednesday night in the Icardo Center.

"Our team put a lot of effort behind what they did tonight," said CSUB head coach Greg McCall. "We did the things we were supposed to do, we executed a lot down the stretch got off some good shots some went in some didn't but I thought overall we did a good job."

The Roadrunners overcame an eight-point Colorado State second half lead to take a six-point advantage, 63-57, on a pair of Tika Smith (R-Jr., Sweetwater, Texas Sweetwater HS) free throws with 4:09 remaining. The Rams' LaDeyah Forte made it 63-59 with 3:43 to go. Martin hit a layup with just over two minutes to go to get the Rams to within two. Martin's free throws with 51 seconds remaining tied the score.

Kristine Herman (R-Sr., San Ramon, Calif., Florida Gulf Coast), who led the 'Runners with 19 points, would miss a three-point field goal attempt on ensuing CSUB possession. Forte, the Colorado State point guard appeared to have traveled just before passing the ball to Martin for the gamewinner, but no call was made as the 6-2 post player recorded her game 20th and 21st points. Ciarra Ford's (Jr., Long Beach, Calif., Mt. Sac College) layup with three seconds remaining fell short, giving the Rams the victory.

"I thought we made a crucial stop towards the end," McCall. "I thought that (Forte) traveled, it looked like a travel to me, they got away with several of those tonight inside with those big girls who liked to hop step but we can't make excuses for those type of things we still have to execute and do the things we're supposed to do as a team."

Martin was 9-of-14 from the floor and led all players with nine rebounds. Kara Spotton scored 17 points while Forte charted a career high 15. Lauren Carter (R-Jr., Moopark, Calif., Moorpark HS) had nine points, five rebounds, and four assists. Smith scored four points and grabbed a CSUB-high seven rebounds.

CSUB continues its homestand Saturday when the Roadrunners host San Diego State at 2 p.m.

~www.GoRunners.com~

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Players Mentioned

#31 Lauren Carter: F; 6' 0"; Freshman

#21 Kristine Herman: G; 5' 11"; Junior

#4 Ciarra Ford: G; 5' 8"; Junior

#23 Tika Smith: F; 5' 9"; Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

#31 Lauren Carter
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: F

#21 Kristine Herman
: 5' 11"; Junior
: G

#4 Ciarra Ford
: 5' 8"; Junior
: G

#23 Tika Smith
: 5' 9"; Redshirt Junior
: F